Cannabis product types — overview

The product landscape: what is available and how it is interconnected

Cannabis products can be categorised by their level of processing, and this classification explains almost all differences in price and effects. At the beginning is the dried flower — unprocessed, with the complete terpene profile, but also with the largest volume and the shortest shelf life. One level above are mechanically obtained concentrates such as hash, kief and ice-o-lator, where only the resin glands are separated. This is followed by solvent-based extracts and distillates, which highly concentrate the active ingredient and form the basis for cartridges, oils and edibles.

Each stage shifts three variables simultaneously: the active ingredient content increases, the terpene profile becomes more sensitive, and the price per gram of product rises, while the price per milligram of active ingredient often decreases. Anyone comparing prices should therefore never compare flowers with extracts per gram — the only honest benchmark is the price per milligram of cannabinoid.

For flowers, a second axis comes into play: the cultivation method. Outdoor is inexpensive but weather-dependent and usually aromatically simpler. Greenhouse lies in the middle. Indoor delivers the most consistent quality, the richest aroma and the highest production costs. In our price index, this is directly reflected in the range of Swiss retail prices.

• Flowers: full terpene profile, cultivation method determines price and aroma
• Mechanical concentrates: hash, kief, ice-o-lator — solvent-free
• Extracts: Rosin, BHO, CO₂ — high active ingredient density, COA mandatory
• Processed: Oils, cartridges, edibles, topicals

Recognising quality — and what is permitted in Switzerland

The legal dividing line is the same for all product forms: under 1% total THC is freely saleable, above that it is a narcotic. The decisive factor is always the total THC, i.e. THC plus THCA multiplied by the factor of 0.877. A product with 0.4% delta-9-THC and 0.9% THCA has around 1.19% total THC and is therefore a narcotic — even if the packaging says «under 1%». This is particularly relevant for concentrates, because concentrating legal raw material almost inevitably leads above the threshold.

Quality can be checked using four characteristics that do not require laboratory equipment. First, the certificate of analysis: batch number, date, total THC, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents for extracts. Second, the smell: a clear, nuanced terpene aroma indicates careful drying, while hay or ammonia notes indicate moisture problems. Third, the structure: flowers should spring back slightly, not crumble, and not be damp. Fourth, the trichomes, which should look intact and not rubbed off under a magnifying glass.

The most common defects in the Swiss market are not counterfeits, but simply poor post-harvest processing: dried too quickly, insufficiently cured, stored too warm. This is precisely why we buy directly from the producer and on a batch-by-batch basis for the club.

How to navigate this cluster

The subpages cover the product categories individually — flowers and cultivation methods, hash and kief, extracts, oils, cartridges, edibles, and topicals — each with price ranges, quality characteristics, and typical application errors.

Those who are new start with flowers and cultivation methods; those making specific comparisons start with the page on price per milligram and quality criteria.

Legal Classification and Product Control in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the total THC content primarily determines the legal classification of a cannabis product. If this value is below the legal limit of 1 percent, the product does not fall under the Narcotics Act (BetmG). For the calculation, the sum of free THC and the precursor THCA is decisive, with the latter being multiplied by a factor of 0.877. This strict regulation applies to all product forms, from raw flowers to processed extracts. Federal authorities such as the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) and the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) are responsible for monitoring and classification.

When concentrating legal raw material into hashish or extracts, there is an increased risk in practice of unintentionally exceeding the limit. As the active ingredients are concentrated, the relative proportion of THC also increases. Consumers should therefore only purchase products that have seamless certificates of analysis. The illegal possession of more than 10 grams of THC cannabis by adults can be punished with a fixed penalty fine of 100 francs, although enforcement may vary depending on the canton.

• Total THC limit of less than 1 percent for unrestricted sale.
• The calculation formula takes THCA into account with the reduction factor of 0.877.
• Responsibility lies with the BAG, the BLV and the cantonal enforcement authorities.
• Fixed penalty of 100 francs for minor possession for personal consumption.

Road traffic risks and health precautions

The choice of cannabis product and the method of consumption has a direct impact on the bioavailability and the residence time of the active ingredients in the body. In Swiss road traffic, a strict zero-tolerance policy applies regarding THC. The statutory limit of detection is a mere 1.5 micrograms of THC per litre of blood. Since this threshold can be exceeded even after consuming products with a low THC content or days after the last consumption, allegations of unfitness to drive can quickly arise. This applies to recreational products as well as medical applications.

Uncontrolled intake represents a major health risk, particularly with processed products such as edible cannabis products (edibles), the effects of which are significantly delayed. In the event of an accidental overdose or symptoms of poisoning, the emergency number 145 of Tox Info Suisse provides professional support around the clock. To minimize health risks from combustion products, expert panels regularly recommend the use of vaporizers, as they release the active ingredients without producing smoke.

• Strict limit of 1.5 micrograms of THC per litre of blood in road traffic.
• Increased risk of overdoses with delayed-action edibles.
• Tox Info Suisse (emergency number 145) as the central point of contact in case of suspected poisoning.
• Vaporisation as a lower-toxin alternative to traditional smoking.

Medical access and scientific pilot projects

Since August 2022, access to medical cannabis in Switzerland has been newly regulated. Patients no longer require an exceptional licence from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), as doctors are permitted to prescribe corresponding preparations directly. Dispensing is controlled and takes place via pharmacies, with Swissmedic being responsible for the authorization and monitoring of the respective medicinal products. The scientific data on therapeutic effects is still limited in many areas, which is why medical professionals carefully weigh the evidence on a case-by-case basis.

In parallel, time-limited pilot trials under Article 8b of the Narcotics Act are underway in various Swiss cities and cantons. Projects such as Züri Can, Weed Care in Basel or SCRIPT are investigating the regulated sale of cannabis containing THC for recreational purposes. These studies aim to provide scientific insights into consumption patterns and the health impacts of controlled distribution. The products offered in these projects are subject to the strictest quality controls and are only accessible to registered study participants.

• Direct medical prescription of medical cannabis since August 2022.
• Responsibility of Swissmedic for the quality assurance of medical preparations.
• Scientific pilot trials such as Züri Can and Weed Care according to BetmG Art. 8b.
• Strict quality and origin controls for all study products.

Declaration and quality testing in the Swiss specialized trade

When purchasing cannabis products from the Swiss specialized trade, a precise examination of the product declaration is essential. Many consumers mistakenly rely on simplified percentage figures on the labels without checking the underlying laboratory reports. A reputable product is characterized by a comprehensive certificate of analysis that not only shows the exact cannabinoid content but also proves the absence of harmful substances. This includes residues of pesticides, heavy metals, and potentially harmful solvents from the extraction process.

A common mistake lies in confusing raw materials and highly concentrated extracts when dosing. While flowers naturally have a lower active ingredient density, isolates and distillates can be extremely potent. The Swiss market offers standardized oils for this purpose, where the specification in milligrams of active ingredient per milliliter allows for precise dosing. Consumers should ensure that products are stored in a cool, dry place protected from light to prevent the gradual degradation of valuable terpenes and cannabinoids.

• Necessity of manufacturer-independent certificates of analysis for each batch.
• Risk of contamination due to substandard extraction processes on the black market.
• Precise dosing through milligram specifications instead of inaccurate percentage values.
• Protection against loss of active ingredients through proper, cool, and dark storage.

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